my perspective as the prof? I teach a class that is not at a great time for me. It’s for graduate students and there are good reasons that I am doing this, but there are drawbacks as well. My attitude is, if I have to be there and I have prepared, then I want you there as a student. We (team taught class) note who is present and who is absent and it does contribute to the grade. I understand logically that there are classes that can be completed with or without attendance, it’s just that I would never spend my own time teaching one. I realize that I am lucky to be in this position-- teaching this class is my choice and is not a part of my “regular” job.